An Interpretive Van Gogh experience shines in McKinney
- Karen Zupanic
- Jan 11, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5, 2024
Many of you know of the Immersive Van Gogh experience currently being held in Dallas. The experience envelops one with sight, sound and intensity. However in McKinney, a hidden jewel of art has opened its doors to some local artists who rose to the challenge of painting iconic McKinney locations in Van Gogh style.

“Reflection on a Starry Night” (Location: Adriatica) by Artist, Marley Lindsey
The paintings were done in watercolor, pen and ink, acrylic, and oil. Some of the paintings came with historical stories like Rachel Visser’s, whose parents went to Croatia with the Adriatica developer to learn about the architecture and underpinnings of creating a village which later turned into our beautifully crafted mini-city at the intersection of Virginia and Ridge Roads. Rachel’s painting of the Bell Tower pays homage to her parents participation in Adriatica’s creation as well as pays homage to the many times she has watched fireworks from inside the Bell Tower.

“The Bell Tower at Adriatica” by Artist, Rachel Visser.
Each artist has a different story about the challenge. Some artists who are members of the Art Club of McKinney (Diane Boudreaux, Carol Kovacs, Deanna McGarr, and Kim Guthrie) are avid challenge fans. If they loved participating the in Marshalling Matisse Exhibit, then they were up for the Van Gogh challenge. Other painters were newer to the Heard-Craig art challenge scene but were very excited about joining in (Crisana Speer, Karen Robb, and Pam Ewell).
And, of course, the Master of them all, “Joan of Art” (Joan Barber (artist as well as art instructor extraordinaire), brings her students into each art challenge which creates a magical environment for all. Joan, as did many in this challenge, painted beautiful scenes of Adriatica for the enjoyment of community members.

“Adriatica” by Artist, Joan Barber

“Reflections on Bella Donna” (Chapel at Adriatica) by Crisana Speers

“Adriatica Dove” (Statue at Adriatica) by Artist, Pam Ewell
On the Museum front, several artists painted the downtown Museum triad (Collin County History museum, Heard-Craig, and Chestnut Square).

“Starry Night Over the Chapel at Chestnut Square” by Artist, Carol Kovacs

“Crossroads of Old and New: 12/31/22” (History Museum) by Artist, Marley Lindsey

“Heard-Craig Center Van Gogh Style” by Artist, Diane Boudreaux
One of the interesting things about the exhibit is that the interpretation of style is distinctly different. For instance, Kim Guthrie, an artist who has her workshop right on the downtown square, immortalized the Episcopal Church with her modern brushstrokes and vivid, colorful palette. (See more of her work at: http://www.kimguthrieart.com)

“Starry Night in Heavenly Realms” (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church) by Artist, Kim Guthrie
In addition to churches, chapels and museums, artists brought to life the parks of McKinney such as Gabe Nesbitt Park and Towne Lake Park.

“Swirling Summer Starry Night” (Towne Lake Park) by Artist, Deana McGarr

“Splish Splash Over McKinney” (Gabe Nebitt Park) by Artist, Karen J. Robb
The "Starry Night Over McKinney" exhibit is open to the public through January 31. FREE tickets are available on the Heard-Craig website (Click here for tickets). The hours for the exhibit are Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 - Noon and Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. If those times are not convenient, please call and we will schedule a more convenient time for you to bring a group here.
All of the exhibit paintings are for sale in the price range of $50 - $450. This is your opportunity to own an interpretive piece of iconic McKinney during an environmental period of the Van Gogh immersive experience (makes a great story for the family) so come by and support our local artists who not only enjoy the Heard-Craig art challenges but love the beneficial monetary rewards of participating in events like this that benefit the cultural district and the entire community.
For more information, call 972-569-6909 or get your FREE tickets at https://heard-craig.ticketleap.com/starry-night-over-mckinney---artist-exhibit-at-the-heard-craig-/
And a sneak peek: For artists who want to start thinking about the next art challenge, it will be "Of the Cultural Ballet", created in the general style of Edgar Degas.
The Heard-Craig Center is located in the heart of the McKinney, Texas downtown square. The Center is supported, in part, by wonderful grants from the McKinney Community Development Corporation and the McKinney Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and by private donations from individuals and community citizens. The museum is open to the public for tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 PM and is open to donors and purchasers of art through appointments 7 days a week. 972-569-6909.
Getting the Best Possible Experience Out of Nursing School by Using NURS FPX and MSN Writing Services
The NURS FPX curriculum combines flexible learning with hands-on, real-world evaluations to benefit nursing students as they go through their academic careers. For students seeking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), this program is essential because it provides a flexible yet organized framework that enables them to manage their professional obligations and academic obligations. To test a student's understanding, clinical judgment, and application of nursing theory, the NURS FPX exams are meticulously designed. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for success in advanced nursing positions, by incorporating evidence-based methods. The unique approach of NURS FPX helps bridge…
Navigating Nursing Education Through FlexPath Assessments
Today’s nursing professionals face the dual challenge of excelling in fast-paced clinical environments while advancing their academic qualifications. Traditional learning models often lack the flexibility required by working adults, leading many to seek alternatives that better align with their schedules and goals. Capella University’s FlexPath format addresses these needs through a personalized, self-paced educational model grounded in competency-based learning. This system allows students to focus on mastering real-world skills through applied assessments rather than traditional tests. For many learners, using flexpath assessments help offers valuable support in understanding academic expectations, developing effective writing, and meeting course requirements efficiently.
FlexPath enables students to progress at their own pace, providing opportunities to accelerate through familiar content…
As modern learners increasingly seek alternatives to traditional higher education, competency-based models have gained significant traction. Among the most flexible and learner-centered of these models is FlexPath, offered by Capella University. Known for its emphasis on independent learning, performance-based evaluation, and real-world relevance, FlexPath has emerged as a valuable pathway for professionals aiming to advance their careers while maintaining work-life balance. At the center of this educational model are the capella flexpath assessments—structured evaluations that assess learners’ mastery of skills in their chosen fields through practical, applied assignments.
Unlike conventional exams or coursework based on memorization, FlexPath assessments evaluate what students can do with what they’ve learned. They promote higher-order thinking and the ability to solve real-world problems. This model…
Inside Capella Assessments: Your Complete Guide to Competency-Based Achievement
Capella University’s academic model is built around a single core idea: prove what you can do, not just what you know. This idea is brought to life through Capella Assessments, a set of Capella Assessment, performance-based assignments used to evaluate student learning. Whether you are a student in FlexPath, the self-paced learning format, or GuidedPath, the traditional structured format, assessments are the key to your success.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Capella Assessments are, why they matter, and how to approach them for maximum academic and professional impact.
What Are Capella Assessments?
Capella Assessments are evidence-based assignments used to determine whether you have mastered the competencies associated with each course. Unlike…
How Online Learning Promotes Lifelong Learning and Personal Development
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, personal and professional growth is no longer confined to traditional schooling. As industries advance, technologies emerge, and new challenges arise, the concept of lifelong learning has gained significant importance. Lifelong learning refers to the Take My Online Class, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional development. This approach to learning is crucial for staying competitive in the workforce, enhancing personal fulfillment, and adapting to the rapid changes occurring globally.
Online learning plays a pivotal role in promoting lifelong learning by offering an accessible, flexible, and engaging way to acquire new knowledge and skills. The growth of online education has made it easier than…